Four travellers have been kidnapped in Irele-Ekiti, Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, after being kidnapped by gunmen.
The victims, who had attended an event in Kogi state the previous weekend, were reportedly on their way to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, when they were abducted around 11 am on Sunday.
According to reports, the four travelers were kidnapped and taken to the forest by seven assailants brandishing guns on the road between Irele-Ekiti and OkeAko.
One of the sources said, ” The four persons kidnapped were coming from an event in Kogi and returning to Ibadan when they were attacked along the Irele-Ekiti and OkeAko road.
“We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday (Sunday) and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families possibly for ransom.”
Speaking, Chief Kehinde Abejide, a community leader in Irele-Ekiti who confirmed the kidnapping, bemoaned the constant attacks by gunmen in the region and urged the government to increase security in the axis.
The incoming governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, was encouraged by Abejide, the Akogun of Ikere-Ekiti, to make a strong case to the military leadership for the establishment of an army station to protect the region from the raging gunmen.
He said, “We have been crying and pleading with the government to help us in this area but it appears nothing is happening to look at the recurring incidents in the communities. Even though we made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people.
“These four people were going to Ibadan and they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest.
“Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on the issue of security before our people will be wiped out in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA.
“There is a need for a military post between Irele and OkeAko which will help to forestall any possible attack by this gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”
